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Arenas are being scouted, television deals are being discussed, but the biggest questions about AEW still pertain as to the talent they will sign. Here are five wrestlers who might end up on the AEW roster, and five who most likely will be performing elsewhere.
In the world of pro wrestling--or sports entertainment, if you prefer--the excitement generated by the formation of a new promotion is always tempered with one thought;
Will (fill in the blank) be able to sign top tier talent?
The question was moot when WCW formed from the ashes of Jim Crockett productions, since it was a lock that many NWA stars would be joining the new version of the company. It was somewhat less moot when Ring of Honor formed over seventeen years ago, because it was obvious that ROH was in pursuit of a different kind of wrestler than one would expect to find in a WWE ring.
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But the question of talent signings is crucial to the success of the upstart pro wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling. AEW has a huge task on its hands as it seeks to enter the crowded North American pro wrestling market and take on juggernaut World Wrestling Entertainment, who has enjoyed over twenty years of being relatively competition free.
The first shot fired was when AEW acquired the services of longtime WWE employee Chris Jericho. Then, things became even more interesting when the Best Bout Machine, Kenny Omega, announced his signing with All Elite Wrestling.
So, who will be next to join the upstart organization? Here are five likely candidates, as well as five you should not expect to see in an AEW ring soon--if ever.
Might sign with AEW #1: Hideo Itami/Kenta Kobayashi
Hideo Itami was once considered a major coup for WWE. Hiring the former All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah junior heavyweight was seen by some as an attempt by WWE to focus more on in-ring content rather than absurdist storylines.
The former KENTA was rebranded Hideo Itami and joined the NXT brand. Unfortunately, injuries, many false starts, and a belated transfer to 205 Live ruined any chance Itami had of major stardom with WWE.
His recent release from WWE means he will be back on the market, and there is a good chance he will wind up in the All Elite Wrestling promotion. Perhaps Kenta will be luckier this time around with regards to injuries.
Not Likely to sign with AEW #1: AJ Styles
Allan Nathan Jones, better known to the wrestling world as the Phenomenal AJ Styles, has enjoyed one of the most history making and exciting careers in all of pro wrestling.
AJ Styles is one of the rare wrestlers who has wrestled for WCW, Ring of Honor, TNA Impact, New Japan, and now WWE. His supreme athleticism, technical wrestling knowledge, and ken for high flying maneuvers have left the crowd breathless throughout his storied career.
However, even though his contract is expiring soon, don't expect to see AJ Styles in an All Elite Wrestling ring. AJ has been treated well by the WWE, who have been nothing but pleased with not only his performances but his leadership in the locker room. AJ is humble, hard working, and pretty much liked by everyone in the company. Most likely he will re sign with WWE and end his career with the largest pro wrestling company in the world.
Might sign with All Elite Wrestling #2: TJ Perkins
A man who has been wrestling just as long as AJ Styles, who has unfortunately never achieved the same heights of fame, TJ Perkins is no stranger to fans of 205 Live or the independent wrestling circuit.
Skilled in all aspects of wrestling, TJ Perkins had his first match at only thirteen years old. The promoters insisted he wear a mask to cover up his youthful appearance, and that's how he became known as Pinoy Boy. For many years, he has wrestled under his real name TJ Perkins, though it was shortened to TJP in the WWE. Reportedly, the reason for this is that WWE CEO hates the Perkins restaurant chain!
Whatever you call him, Perkins is one of the best technical wrestlers and light heavyweight performers in the world. His recent release from WWE could mean a trip to AEW, where he would fit right in with that company's proposed style and brand.
Not likely to Sign with All Elite Wrestling #2: The Revival
Many readers are probably surprised to see an appearance by the Revival on the not likely side of the fence, given that the Top Guys requested their release from WWE recently.
However, it's worth noting that the Revival is under contract with the WWE for two more years, and the company is not likely to grant their release easily. Also, they were asked to give the WWE a chance to prove that there will be a renewed emphasis on tag team wrestling, and it looks like the Revival are going to give the company that chance.
And finally, The Revival have one very big fan backstage; NXT head Triple H, who is all but guaranteed to be the next 'top guy' of the WWE once Vince decides to retire. Having the boss on your side is always a plus, and the Revival may be better served playing the waiting game with WWE for a bit longer rather than taking a chance on the upstart company AEW.
Might sign with All Elite Wrestling #3: Tye Dillinger
Tye Dillinger reminds us of Daniel Bryan in many ways.
Like Daniel Bryan, he is undersized for the WWE, instead of presenting the gargantuan musculature of John Cena or Roman Reigns. Also, he has a keen technical wrestling acumen that made him a fan favourite on the NXT brand, in spite of his sporadic appearances.
Dillinger's appeal on the yellow brand was taken notice of by the WWE, who moved him up to the main roster with a royal rumble debut at--what else?--number ten. However, following that debut his momentum has largely fizzled as he has been left off of television or used sparingly, so much so that he at one point requested a return to NXT.
When his request was denied, Tye then decided to request his release. The WWE granted him his wish, and now he is a free agent...a free agent with whom the AEW would no doubt love to have business relations. Tye Dillinger vs. Cody? Tye Dillinger vs. Omega? Those could be five star matches in and of themselves, and we have a feeling Tye is aware of this as well.
Not likely to sign with All Elite Wrestling #3: The Usos
The Usos have a rare claim to fame in the pro wrestling world; they have spent their entire careers with only one company, the WWE.
From their days in the developmental league of Florida Championship Wrestling to their numerous reigns as both Raw and Smackdown tag team champions, the Usos have been both villains and heroes, faces and heels, but seem to do their best work when paired up against teams of similar athleticism, such as the New Day.
While the Usos may be frustrated with the current state of tag team wrestling in the WWE--it seems like many people, from talent to fans, feel that way--it's not likely that their frustrations have boiled over to the point where they would throw away a great working relationship like they have with the WWE. Also, Jimmy Uso is a reality TV star thanks to his appearance on Total Divas, so WWE may not be willing to let the team go.
Might Sign with All Elite Wrestling #4: Tyler Breeze
Stop us if you've heard this one before (inhale)...
A pro wrestler does very, very well on WWE's developmental brand NXT, winning the hearts of fans and critics alike. Then he makes his debut on the main roster, to underwhelming results, and speculation begins that he will be leaving the company.
Sound familiar? Tyler Breeze falls into the same boat that Bobby Roode, Tye Dillinger, and Hideo Itami have found themselves in. He's one of the best workers in the business, and has plenty of charisma, but for whatever reason the company just won't take a chance on pushing him to the main event level.
Tyler Breeze is one of Triple H's favourites, and has made sporadic appearances for the NXT brand which has to be more satisfying than being one half of the Fashion Police. Tyler Breeze checks all the boxes of what All Elite Wrestling is looking for in their talent signings, and don't be surprised if he winds up there once his WWE contract is up.
Not likely to sign with All Elite Wrestling #4: Baron Corbin
The former NFL player and golden gloves boxer has been sort of all over the place in the WWE. He's been on Smackdown, he's been on Raw, he's been in the Elimination Chamber (and set a record for shortest time in that match) and he's even been the acting voice of authority on Monday Night Raw.
It seems like WWE doesn't quite know what to do with Baron Corbin. He and Braun Strowman were brought up to the main roster at roughly the same time, but it was Corbin who WWE truly believed was going to be a mega star. Now he can't seem to get any momentum, especially when he winds up in non wrestling roles like most recently.
Speculation that Corbin would try and sign with AEW came after he answered a tweet from Adam "Hangman" Page regarding a human skull found on property that Page was buying. "I'll buy it from you," the Lone Wolf tweeted.
However, it should be noted that Corbin's contract is not due up anytime soon, and the WWE is not looking to give up on him as of yet. Also, his interest in skulls and human remains is well documented, and he may have been quite sincere in his offer rather than pandering for a new job.
Might Sign with All Elite Wrestling: The Enforcer Arn Anderson
When it comes to criminally underrated wrestling talent, you don't get a much better example of such than Arn Anderson, the Four Horsemen's longtime Enforcer.
Double A, as his fans lovingly refer to him, was perhaps the best pro wrestler to never wear one of the 'big belts' of any promotion, though he had multiple reigns as both WWE and NWA tag team champion, and was recognized as perhaps the best WCW World Television champion in history.
A neck injury ended Arn's career prematurely in 1998, but he has been around the wrestling business ever since in one form or another. For much of the past decade that role has been behind the scenes as an agent and producer for WWE.
Arn was released by WWE recently, and a man with his wealth of knowledge of not only the wrestling business but television production would be a huge asset to AEW. Not to mention his dulcet tones would go over well on commentary....
Not likely to sign with All Elite Wrestling: Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura is perhaps the most charismatic wrestler to ever make the jump from the Japanese promotions to the North American wrestling market.
Given his artistry and rock star-esque mannerisms, many believe that Shinsuke Nakamura is the ultimate evolution of a pro wrestler, someone who has unquestioned athletic ability and hard hitting matches but still presents himself as an elite performer and cult of personality.
While many AEW fans might salivate at the prospect of the King of Strong Style taking on the Best Bout Machine Kenny Omega, it's not likely to happen. Reportedly, Nakamura's contract is up soon and he is not looking for a return to Japan. Allegedly, Nakamura is pursuing the best money offer he can get, which likely means that he will continue to work for WWE in the near future.
There you have it; Five superstar wrestlers who might sign with AEW, and five who most likely will not. Questions or comments? Please leave them below the article, and as always thanks for reading!
